SPL champions Celtic face a tough task in the Champions League third qualifying round as they play host to in-form Elfsborg, who put 11 goals past Daugava in the previous stage.

With Rangers thrown out of the Scottish Premier League, the Bhoys eased off to the league title, but that was hardly a perfect scenario for the Parkhead outfit.

The lack of quality games in domestic competition leaves them unprepared for decisive European battles, while they have also seen some key players depart this summer.

Both Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama will be difficult to replace, while squad players Thomas Rogne and Nicolas Fedor also left.

For the time being, Celtic have only signed Steven Mouyokolo, Virgil van Dijk and Amido Balde, although they are now closing in on Ajax winger Derek Boerrigter.

With the team not really impressing in pre-season fixtures, there is little value in betting on home win, at odds of 1.57 (4/7) offered at Ladbrokes.

Defender Adam Matthews has returned into action from a hamstring injury, but he is unlikely to start due to lack of match fitness.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Forster – Lustig, Wilson, Ambrose, Izaguirre – Forrest, Brown, Kayal, Commons – Samaras – Stokes.

Elfsborg surprised everyone to life the Allsvenskan title last season, but they have been nowhere near as impressive this term.

Di Gule currently sit in fifth place in the standings, nine points behind leaders Helsingborg and they don’t seem to be capable of mounting another title challenge.

While failing to win any of their last three league fixtures, Elfsborg rolled over Daugava in the Champions League 2nd qualifying stage, recording an 11-1 aggregate win, but chances are they face a much tougher task now.

However, with Celtic severely weakened following departures of Wanyama and Hooper, you should know away win pays 6.70 (57/10) at Betfair.

Forward Mohamed Bangura, who is on loan from Celtic, has yet to decide whether he wants to take part in this match, but there are no other worries for boss Jorgen Lennartsson.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Ellegaard – J. Larsson, Holmen, Mobaeck, S. Larsson – Ishizaki, Rohden, A. Svensson, Hult– Bangura, Keene.

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